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10 Award Winning Baby Girl Names Inspired By The Oscars

Some are classic names, some are less well known, but they're all cool, creative, and at the top of their game for making movies.

1. Saoirse

Saoirse is an Irish name meaning freedom. It’s both a beautiful name, and one of the most confusing names to pronounce for those outside Ireland, as shown in Saoirse Ronan’s SNL opening monologue.

2. Margot

A diminutive of Margaret, Margot is a French name meaning ‘Pearl’. As well as actress Margot Robbie, there is also famed ballerina Margot Fonteyne, and novelist Margot Livesy. Another form of Margaret: Greta, is owned by Best Director and Best Original Screenplay nominee Greta Gerwig.

3. Octavia

Any Latin fans (no?) will know that Octavia means ‘The Eighth’. Though the meaning may not be particularly exciting, it is a beautiful name (which can also be shortened to ‘Tavia’ or just ‘Tavi’. Famous Octavias include award-winning actress Octavia Spencer, and renowned sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler.

4. Rosalie

Rosalie is the French form of the Italian ‘Rosalia’, meaning Rose. There are many other diminutives of the name, including Rosalyn and Roisin. Rosalie Varda is a producer, costume designer and actress nominated for Best Documentary.

5. Laurie

An alternative form of Laura, the name Laurie means ‘From the place of the Laurel Leaves.’ This can be used as either a male of female name (the famous male Laurie is probably author Laurie Lee who wrote Cider With Rosie.) Actress Laurie Metcalf is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and is also known for her roles Desperately Seeking Susan, Uncle Buck, and JFK.

6. Sarah

The name Sarah means 'princess’, or ‘pleasant’, and is a name often associated with the Old Testament. Production designer Sarah Greenwood is nominated for both Beauty and The Beast, and Darkest Hour (not bad!) and is also known for Atonement and Sherlock Holmes. Other famous Sarahs include actress Sarah Jessica Parker, comedian Sarah Silverman, and singer Sarah Harding.

7. Alessandra

This may win best meaning: 'defender of mankind' or 'defender of men'! It is the Italian/Spanish form of Alexandra. Alessandra Querzola is a Production Designer, known for Avengers: Age of Ultron and BladeRunner: 2049.

8. Kristen

Kristen means ‘follower of Christ’ and is related to names like Christine, and Kirsten. As well as award winning songwriter Kristen Anderson-Lopez (co-writer of Let It Go and a lot of other tunes you frequently have stuck in your head), other famous Kristens include Kristin Davis, Kristen Wiig, and the wonderful Kristen Bell.

9. Dana

Another name with various origins, In Hebrew Dana means ‘God is my judge’, in Arabic it means ‘the most valuable and beautiful pearl’ and it can also relate to Celtic Goddess Danu. Dana Murray is a producer and visual effects artist, who has worked on Brave, Up, and Inside Out amongst many others.

10. Meryl

We could mention awards season without Meryl! A derivant of Muriel, the name means ‘Blackbird’ (from the French Merle), or ‘bright sea’ (from the Irish Muirgheal.) Merly Streep is actually called Mary Louise. Other Meryls include actress Meryl Hathaway, and Producer Meryl Poster.